IHADAV8.com - Turbo Buick Tech, and Nonsense
Tech Area => General Auto Tech => Topic started by: Scoobum on November 06 2011, 09:25:48 AM
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Is there any way of cleaning up hazy plastic headlight lenses? My daughters Ford Ranger lenses have hazed over.
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I tried one of those kits, better but not a whole lot.
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I just did my friends 99 SS camaro headlights, they were dull and hazy, I told him not to buy new ones. I started out sanding his headlights with 600 grit sandpaper, keep the headlights nice and wet while doing this. Next I started sanding with 1000 grit sandpaper, working my way up to 1500 grit keeping the headlight nice and wet while I was sanding. After this the headlights will dry and look very dull, don't worry. a little elbow grease will bring them right back to shining. I used 3m handglaze on a clean cotton rag, rub until the headlights begin to look clear again, or you can use a buffer if you prefer. These headlights came out looking like new when I was done with them!
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I've used a simular process to JD. If the head light housings are really bad you need to use 220 grit dry to break the surface easier. Then progress up to 1000 or 1500. I use a buffer and even use white brick polishing compound. I rub the brick on the lense to get it covered really well and then buff it. The wax in the brick also protects the lense.
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plastic is easier than glass. You can buy a kit, but, if they are really bad...JD and Charlie's way will give a better result
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I don't recall the kits having the coarser grits, that may make the difference.
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I used toothpaste on one lens on the Integra. Came out pretty damn good for the amount of effort I put it. It would turn out a lot better with a low speed buffer.
Crest Whitening for those that are interested. There's a lot of videos on Youtube.
Now, if the surface is visibly cracked/crazed, wet sanding as above would be better.
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One thing I can tell you is once you get the lenses clean is to paint them with a clear coat paint of some sort. Then you just wax them like the rest of the car. The paint will oxidize but the lenses will stay fairly clear longer.
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Urethane clear IIRC. Doesn't sound like a home project?
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if you don't like paint, try some Plexus plastic polish on the the plastic lens...
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Urethane clear IIRC. Doesn't sound like a home project?
Been there tried that; waste of time, last very little time. Plus you need to mask it all off etc.
Get this thing works great, is fast; used it many times.
http://autocarsuperstore.com/product/6668_3M-Headlight-Lens-Restoration-System.html (http://autocarsuperstore.com/product/6668_3M-Headlight-Lens-Restoration-System.html)
AJ___
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try this http://3mcollision.com/3m-headlight-lens-restoration-system-39008-4218.html (http://3mcollision.com/3m-headlight-lens-restoration-system-39008-4218.html) we sell the professional kit as well as the DIY and they both work well as well as this one http://3mcollision.com/3m-lens-renewal-kit-with-protectant-39045.html (http://3mcollision.com/3m-lens-renewal-kit-with-protectant-39045.html) Presta also makes a kit http://www.prestaproducts.com/Headlight_Restoration_Kit__136050-details.aspx (http://www.prestaproducts.com/Headlight_Restoration_Kit__136050-details.aspx)
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http://www.gpona.com/forums/do-it-yourself-f12/hardcore-headlight-restoration-t18468-25.html (http://www.gpona.com/forums/do-it-yourself-f12/hardcore-headlight-restoration-t18468-25.html)
http://www.windshield-repair-forum.com/viewtopic.php?f=17&t=2797&start=20 (http://www.windshield-repair-forum.com/viewtopic.php?f=17&t=2797&start=20)